Special Feature: 2025 Global Sustainable Leaders Summit & First Green Industry and Sustainable Consumption Expo Tomasdottir expressed her delight in seeing Chinese tourists discover the unique charm of Iceland.

Iceland has become a buzzword during this year's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. Shortly after the holiday, Icelandic President Tomasdottir embarked on a visit to China.

On October 16, after attending the Global Women's Summit, Tomasdottir granted an exclusive interview in Shanghai. During the conversation, she was amused by an anecdote: many Chinese tourists traveled thousands of miles to Iceland during the holiday, only to hear Mandarin everywhere at the scenic spots—almost making them feel like they hadn’t left China.

Tomasdottir laughed heartily and added that Chinese tourists particularly enjoy soaking in hot springs while gazing at the Northern Lights. While tourism is a thriving sector in China-Iceland exchanges, cooperation extends far beyond it.

Take geothermal energy, for example. Iceland, though small in size, is one of the world's richest in geothermal resources. Tomasdottir noted that Iceland and China have collaborated in geothermal energy for years, and now they are expanding into green energy and sustainable development.

China-Iceland economic ties are well-established. Iceland was the first Western European country to recognize China's market economy status and the first European nation to sign a free trade agreement and a currency swap deal with China. Today, China is Iceland's fourth-largest trading partner and has been its top Asian trading partner for 19 consecutive years.

**The Hidden Treasure Behind Hot Springs** Iceland's earliest settlers, the Vikings, named the capital Reykjavik ("Smoky Bay") due to its geothermal steam. Today, Reykjavik remains Iceland's political, economic, and cultural hub.

Straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland's geothermal abundance stems from its tectonic activity. The 1970s oil crisis accelerated Iceland's shift to geothermal and hydropower, drastically reducing fossil fuel reliance.

Now, geothermal heating covers 95% of Iceland's heating needs. The country is also keen on sharing its expertise globally. During Tomasdottir's visit, China and Iceland issued a joint statement to deepen geothermal and green transition cooperation.

The statement emphasized enhancing government and industry collaboration to harness geothermal potential, reduce emissions, and create green jobs. Tomasdottir highlighted decades of geothermal training for Chinese experts and praised the joint venture between Sinopec and Iceland's Arctic Green Energy, which serves millions in China.

She acknowledged that while millions of users in China seem small relative to its population, the joint statement signals a commitment to scaling up cooperation. "We are united in advancing carbon neutrality," she said, noting Iceland's 2040 target and China's 2060 goal, which she believes China may achieve earlier.

Tomasdottir explained that geothermal energy complements China's strengths in wind and solar, offering reliable heating, cooling, and industrial power solutions.

**Iceland's Innovation Meets China's Scale** At the 2025 Global Sustainable Leaders Summit in Shanghai, Tomasdottir showcased Iceland's sustainable fisheries, food processing, and leading ESG-aligned pension systems. The summit aimed to turn sustainability discussions into actionable policies and business practices.

With a background as CEO of The B Team, a nonprofit promoting climate-conscious business, Tomasdottir emphasized the dual transitions—digital and energy—facing the world. "Iceland's edge lies in our innovation and early adoption of green tech," she said.

"We’ve learned to coexist with nature, much like China's 'harmony between heaven and humanity' philosophy. We think outside the box—sometimes without any box at all."

She admitted Iceland's small size but praised China's execution and scale. "Combining Iceland's sustainability ethos with China's goal-setting prowess is a perfect match," she said. "Climate change knows no borders, and our collaboration offers solutions for the world."

**"Iceland Is Far More Beautiful Than the Moon"** Tomasdottir proudly compared Iceland's lush landscapes to the moon, which lacks its greenery. Geysers, waterfalls, tundras, and auroras make Iceland a top destination, with Chinese tourists contributing significantly—75,000 visited in the first eight months of 2024, a record high expected by year-end.

She attributed Chinese tourists' fascination to Iceland's pristine wilderness, a stark contrast to crowded urban life. However, she sees vast untapped potential in China's massive outbound tourism market.

Ensuring quality experiences while preserving nature is a priority. Tomasdottir also advocated for direct flights to boost exchanges, trade, and future visits. "Many Icelandic companies are thriving with Chinese partners, and there’s much more to explore together," she concluded with a smile.